Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, launched of the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster, a major new initiative aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in life sciences and biotechnology.

The HELM cluster, developed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, will advance medical innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the development of advanced biotechnology.

The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025.

HELM Cluster: An ecosystem for life sciences and biotech sectors

The cluster is intended to serve as an integrated platform for research, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation in biotechnology, new medicines, MedTech, and digital health solutions.

It will also support the creation of an AI ecosystem and attract global healthcare companies focused on medical technologies and genomics.

“Investing in medical innovation remains a national priority that continues to receive full support from the leadership,” said Sheikh Khaled. “This commitment is reflected in advancing healthcare projects that leverage cutting-edge biotechnology and AI solutions to enhance quality of life across society.”

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said the HELM cluster marks a transformational step in the emirate’s economic strategy. “The cluster will provide global and local stakeholders with a wide range of solutions, including access to cutting-edge technologies, world-class infrastructure and progressive regulatory frameworks,” he said.

“By creating a globally competitive life sciences hub, we are not only accelerating economic growth, but we are also ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of developing breakthrough technologies that will benefit humanity at large,” Al Zaabi added.

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, added: “We are not just investing in infrastructure, we’re investing in human potential, in breakthroughs that will redefine longevity, and in solutions that will reach far beyond our borders. This is where innovation meets impact.”

The HELM cluster is projected to contribute more than Dhs94bn to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, attract investments exceeding Dhs42bn, and create approximately 30,000 jobs by 2045.

Badr Al-Olama, director general of ADIO, described the cluster as a game-changer for the life sciences industry. “This cluster is built to remove barriers, accelerate breakthroughs and create a seamless path from discovery to global impact,” he said. “More than an investment in healthcare, our cluster partners are investing in the future, providing innovators with the resources, partnerships and support they need to redefine medicine.”

Third cluster launched by ADIO

HELM is the third economic cluster launched by ADIO, following the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster in 2023 and the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster in 2024.

These initiatives aim to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and reinforce its role in shaping future industries.

Abu Dhabi-based investment entities ADQ, International Holding Company (IHC), and Modon Holding have launched a new joint venture, Gridora, to drive the development and delivery of infrastructure projects across the UAE and beyond.

Operating under Modon Holding, Gridora will serve as a strategic platform to collaborate with specialist partners and capital providers, supporting private and public-private partnerships on large-scale infrastructure developments nationally, regionally and internationally.

The platform aims to accelerate project deployment by leveraging Modon Holding’s expertise in infrastructure and real estate development.

It will also streamline procurement and implementation processes for key infrastructure contracts, enhancing delivery capacity.

Structured around two core business lines — infrastructure projects and infrastructure investments — Gridora reflects the asset management and project origination strengths of its founding partners.

The dual model is designed to generate financial returns while addressing the scale and speed needed for infrastructure transformation.

Gridora is expected to add value throughout the full infrastructure lifecycle, from early planning to operational execution, unlocking opportunities for both fee-based income and long-term investment yields.

Gridora to boost public-private sector collaboration

The venture is strategically positioned to strengthen long-term public-private sector collaboration.

“Abu Dhabi’s thriving economy and growing population demand world-class infrastructure,” said Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, chairman of Modon Holding. “By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of ADQ, IHC and Modon Holding, Gridora will become a local, regional, and international champion for infrastructure development and drive a step change in delivering strategic projects.”

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, MD and group CEO of ADQ, said the venture aligns with ADQ’s strategy as a long-term investor. “The establishment of Gridora exemplifies our commitment to design and enable transformative development for projects of strategic importance,” he said. “It is a reflection of our growing confidence to drive innovation and efficiency built for long-term impact for the emirate and beyond.”

Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said Gridora supports IHC’s focus on scalable, innovative platforms. “We see strong potential in harnessing infrastructure investments to unlock new economic value, deepen private sector participation, and drive infrastructure-led growth across markets,” he said.

Modon Holding CEO Bill O’Regan added that the platform reinforces the company’s goal to create smart, connected cities. “Gridora will harness Modon Holding’s pioneering capabilities to channel expertise and capital into key projects and builds on Abu Dhabi’s proven framework for transformative infrastructure,” he said. “It will also open new revenue streams and long-term opportunities for Modon Holding and our partners.”

Read: IHC reports net profit of Dhs25.7bn in 2024

The First Group Hospitality and US-based Hoque Global have unveiled Hotel Local, a new community-centric lifestyle hotel located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT).

The partnership signals the beginning of a broader rollout for Hotel Local, with further openings planned in the US and GCC.

The 579-room property introduces a neighbourhood-driven hospitality concept rooted in inclusivity, experiential living, and community building.

Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group., said: “Hotel Local is more than just a place to stay; it’s a vibrant social hub where guests and locals come together to connect, create, and experience Dubai in an authentic and immersive way.”

Mike Hoque, founder and CEO of Hoque Global, described the launch as the culmination of a vision built around community and education. “Our mission is to train and educate future talents in a world-class facility, cultivating empathetic leaders who will redefine hospitality service for generations to come. I couldn’t be prouder to launch Hotel Local here in Dubai, a city that represents the future of the world.”

Longtime hospitality executive and Hotel Local partner Dave Johnson added: “The JVT location and property are spectacular — a perfect embodiment of our vision for a community-centric lifestyle hotel. This marks just the beginning, and we look forward to expanding the brand worldwide.”

A community-first approach at Hotel Local

Hotel Local’s design and operations reflect its mission to offer guests the experience of the city “like a resident”.

In addition to modern rooms, the hotel features a rooftop pool, gym, spa, and social spaces. It also offers a shuttle to Soluna Restaurants & Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, giving guests access to beachside dining and recreation.

Culinary offerings play a central role. Farmers Commons delivers a farm-to-table concept focused on local, sustainable produce, while Neighbourhood Brew serves as a multi-functional café and lounge space transitioning from artisanal morning brews to an evening social setting with drinks.

Programming includes pop-up collaborations, themed brunches, and community-driven events designed to foster interaction between locals and travellers.

Strategic expansion in the GCC and US

With six room formats catering to short- and long-term stays, Hotel Local targets business travellers, digital nomads, and families.

The launch aligns with The First Group Hospitality’s strategy to grow its presence in Dubai’s mid-to-upscale segment and Hoque Global’s ambition to build catalytic enterprises in real estate and beyond.

Hotel Local is the latest venture from Dallas-based Hoque Global, a firm known for redevelopment and revitalisation projects, and a commitment to economic impact and education.

The property is managed by The First Group Hospitality, which has built a portfolio of award-winning hotels and dining destinations across the region.

Saudi authorities are currently reviewing the progress of development projects underway at the holy sites across the Kingdom.

The first related meeting was that of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, chaired by Deputy Emir of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal.

According to a Saudi Gazette report, the meeting was held under the directive of the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

Plans and preparations for Hajj

The committee reviewed plans and preparations for Hajj 2025 and evaluated the progress of ongoing projects set to be operational during this year’s pilgrimage. Discussions also focused on the full readiness of operational plans from various authorities for the upcoming Hajj season.

Read-Hajj 2025: 5 important rules you need to know

Some of the development projects reviewed include:

• Restoration of mosques in Mina and Arafat, along with projects by the Kidana Company
• Shading of pedestrian paths in Mina, covering around 50,000 square meters
• Shading and cooling of paths in Arafat, over 60,000 square meters
• Installation of canopies with mist fans in the Jabal Al-Rahmah area (785 square meters) to mitigate direct sunlight and regulate temperature
• A heat stress mitigation project at Namirah Mosque, covering 85,000 square meters

Afforestation and vegetation projects at holy sites

The committee also reviewed afforestation initiatives aiming to plant 10,000 trees to improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and ease conditions for pilgrims.

Additionally, the committee examined a project to establish 400 drinking water coolers and rest areas for pilgrims over 28,000 square meters between the holy sites.

Emergency and first aid centers

As part of the preparations, authorities plan to establish 15 emergency and first aid centers, along with 71 emergency and first aid launch points along the Hajj route.

These centers aim to provide urgent medical services, logistical support, water, snacks, and guidance services to pilgrims.

Muzdalifah Haram Path Project

Special attention was given to the second phase of the Muzdalifah Haram Path Project, which spans 170,000 square meters. This phase includes rubber flooring, green spaces, rest areas, water fountains, and misting fans.

The project also entails building 64 two-story restroom complexes and upgrading 135 compactor bin sites in Mina to enhance waste storage capacity during the Hajj season.

Passports Directorate begins issuing Makkah entry permits

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has started receiving applications and issuing electronic permits for expatriates planning to work in Makkah during the upcoming Hajj season.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 15.

Permits are being issued through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal.

Tasreeh platform

Thanks to technical integration with the Tasreeh platform, expatriates working during Hajj no longer need to visit Jawazat offices in person to obtain their permits.

Absher Individuals platform

The Absher Individuals platform enables permit issuance for domestic workers, dependents, Premium Residency holders, investors, mothers of citizens, and Gulf Cooperation Council citizens, upon submission of the required documents.

Makkah entry permits

Permits for workers at Makkah-based establishments are issued through the Muqeem portal. Holders of seasonal work visas and those with contracts for Hajj-related employment can also apply through this portal.

The National Centre of Meteorology in the UAE has alerted residents about dusty weather and reduced visibility in parts of the country.

Read-UAE weather forecast: Cloudy, rainy days on the horizon

Visibility dropped to less than 1,500 metres at Dubai International Airport and below 2,000 metres at Al Maktoum International Airport.

The authority also announced certain precautions for residents to follow while driving in such conditions. Motorists were advised to drive carefully, keep all car doors and windows closed to prevent dust from entering, and do the same for buildings.

Residents were also urged to monitor official weather forecasts regularly.

Additionally, the authority warned of fog and further deterioration in visibility in some areas on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

The lowest temperature recorded in the country this morning was 13.2°C in Al Farfar (Fujairah) at 12:45am UAE local time.